Tele-Elmarit 90mm f2.8, early version. Chrome finish. Leitz catalog number 11800. A 5 elements in 5 groups lens designed by Leitz Canada.

The serial number of this example is 20013xx, dating it to 1963. Production of the Tele-Elmarit started from serial number 2001001, making this example part of the very earliest production batch.

Although it is a 90mm lens, it is compact, with a size and feel somewhat like a slightly longer version of the first-generation Summilux 50mm. It sits comfortably in the hand. As one would expect from a product made during the golden age of postwar Leitz, the chrome plating is beautifully finished, and the entire lens has that unmistakable sense of quality. It is not included with this example, but Leitz also supplied an extremely elaborate metal rear cap specifically for this lens.

Wide open and near maximum aperture, the rendering is relatively soft. Stop it down, and the contrast rises noticeably, producing a very sharp image. This is also one of our staff’s favorite lenses.

The filter size is 39mm screw-in, E39. Compatible hoods are IUFOO and 12575.

This is an item we previously sold. It was carefully used by our customer and has now returned to us. This will be the fourth time we have offered it for sale.

Just as when we sold it last time, the exterior remains extremely beautiful, with no signs of use. The mount and filter ring are also very clean.

The lens underwent a full overhaul in 2020, but to ensure it is in the best possible condition for this resale, we had it overhauled once again.

Thanks to the careful servicing, the helicoid and aperture ring operate with a wonderfully smooth and fluid feel, just as a Tele-Elmarit should. There is a very slight whitish haze caused by coating deterioration behind the rear element, but it should have virtually no effect on image quality. Other than that, the glass is clean, with no cleaning marks. Rangefinder coupling and focusing accuracy are also excellent.

Original front and rear caps and a UVa filter are included.